Running a small business – it’s a dream a lot of people have. Think about it: You have a passion, you’re eager, and you know you have something to offer. You imagine what it will be like to run a bustling, flourishing business of your own. Being your own boss seems wonderful; doing what you love while working flexible hours sounds like heaven.
Running your own business, big and small, can be great – most of the time. Surely there can be difficulties. Call them dark patches. And if you let them, they can suck the joy right out of your dream life as a business owner. This is why being clear on your “major definite purpose” is helpful to getting what you see for your career, business and life. This is about your mindset, more than anything else. And the power of staying small.
Every day, millions of eager young entrepreneurs are starting small businesses with the dream of being big. You may know this, because you may be one of us. If so, you invest everything in your business, pouring in not just finances but your heart and soul. You work hard, your business grows, you hire employees, and the revenue starts to come in. Your business is your biggest investment. Life is good, right?
But in reality, being in business for yourself means your life can get complicated. Your quality of life may to decrease if or when you stress about payroll, tax bills, equipment, and more. Maybe legal issues come up; one major financial setback and stress skyrockets. Bigger may not always be better when health issues – brought on by stress – can make things even worse. Sooner or later, it all gets to be too much. What started as something joyful and exciting is no longer either. This small business that started as a dream come true has become a nightmare - big, but not so big it won’t fail. You decide to shut it all down. Then what?
Often, simplifying your approach to being in business is what you need to do to start being truly happy in your life. What good is being rich in your business if it’s killing you in life? Get back to your roots and simplify, simplify, simplify! There’s a really good reason you’re seeing more information about mindfulness, meditation and quality of life. People are dying from stress! And it’s not worth it.
If you own a business, ask yourself if you really need all those employees, or can you do the work yourself? What’s your true bottom line: revenue or your own health and happiness? Why did you start this business in the first place? What do you want – not from your work, but from your life? Start thinking about what is really important to you and focus on what counts the most for your quality of life and happiness, not just your bank account or ego.
Why I Downsized My Business and My Life
I have simplified and downsized my small businesses and lifestyle, more than once. And I’ll keep taking the simple way, because my #1 goal is simple: I want to be happy, healthy, and self-employed. And that’s what I am today. I built the life and small business of my dreams. I, like millions of other brave souls, learned the high cost of complicating my business and the toll it took on my family and life. Today, my entire focus is keeping it simple, being happy, and providing as much value as possible.
What do you desire more than anything else? If you’re not clear, start by investing in you. Make space in your life for some quiet contemplation, journaling, and developing a vision not just for your business but for your life. Focus on what counts the most for you to be happy. How will you know? You will feel it from the inside out. How will you get it? See it, start practicing little changes and over time you may get exactly what you want. Hence, the saying, “Be careful for what you wish.”
Seeing what you want for your future, creating a specific vision for yourself, your career, small business and life, is an important step to get started. All successful organizations have a vision, a mission or purpose and a plan. Knowing these are fundamental building blocks for success, if you don't work on you, who will?
You’ve got a personal brand and powerful stories within you, and if you’re like the rest of us, you’ve got fears and tons of roadblocks waiting for you to quit on your dreams. Use all that to build your vision for your business and your life. Connect with your passion, your purpose, the stuff that gives you meaning and joy.
It might seem too overwhelming to think about doing anything more than you do now. But if you’re not happy, maybe it’s time to go for it. Maybe it’s time to remember not to quit on you!
One step at a time; start by asking yourself these questions. Try journaling your answers and reflections. Build this into your daily life and “see” what happens as you get clear on what really matters to you now:
- Do you see, feel, and trust that there is a better business path or career?
- Do you want to connect better with your major definite purpose?
- Do you believe you can do this no matter what?
Are you ready to go for a more simple, happy life, including your business or career? (Both have stress.) Make time for yourself to create the career, life, and maybe even retirement of your dreams by beginning to envision what you most desire. Really believe in yourself and your potential. Take baby steps, and if you need a friendly kick in the butt, get in touch with me or someone else you trust.
You can rediscover the joy in running your business by focusing on what matters most to you in life; health, clarity, purpose, joy and money in the bank. Too much to ask? No!
Don’t be afraid – go for your dreams, work hard, be happy. And never give up.
No matter what your bottom line is, focus on the power of small and you’ll feel more like a millionaire. Just remember, being rich is more than about money. It’s about freedom to do what you want, when you want and the only person who really knows what this looks like is you.